Lovett wins at U.S. Open wrestling championships

LAS VEGAS — Ridge Lovett, the former Post Falls High and University of Nebraska star now wrestling for the Nebraska Regional Training Center and Titan Mercury Wrestling Club, won the men’s freestyle senior 70kg division at the U.S. Open Championships on Sunday.  

In the championship match, Lovett defeated Caleb Henson of Virginia Tech 14-12 in a rematch of the 2025 NCAA finals.  

Lovett earned a bye in the Round of 64. 

In the Round of 32, he defeated Jonathon Milner by technical fall, 12-0. 

In the Round of 16, Lovett teched Nick Sanko 10-0. 

In the quarterfinals, he beat Ian Parker 8-3. 

In the semifinals, Lovett won by technical fall, 17-6 over Alec Pantaleo.  

This victory qualifies Lovett to represent Team USA at the Pan American Games in Coralville, Iowa, from May 7–10. It also secures his spot at Final X to compete for a position on the World Team.  

Lovett won four state titles at Post Falls, going undefeated in his high school career. 

He won an NCAA title at Nebraska in 2025.